Best WWE Backlash Matches

Aside from when the event took a seven-year absence from WWE’s PPV calendar (and a one year hiatus in 2019), Backlash has had the honor of being the show to come after WrestleMania each year since 1999, marking either the beginning of fresh new stories and championship reigns, or else carrying on the momentum of some feuds from WrestleMania itself.

There have been a variety of strong matches on these match cards over the years, and TheSportster’s rating system will determine which Backlash matches have been the very best of the best. These ratings will be compared to those from Cagematch.net and Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

10 Iyo Sky Vs. Bianca Belair (WWE Backlash 2023) 8/10

Overall Rating From TheSportster: 8/10

• Dave Meltzer Rating: 4.25 Stars
• Cagematch.net Rating: 8.28

This was a great opener at Backlash 2023, with both women delivering fast-paced performances and managing to keep up with one another. The crowd made for a strange storytelling dynamic, with Belair being made to play a heel due to boos and Sky putting in more of a babyface performance due to a positive reaction from the audience. There was a variety of different styles on show, and Sky put in what was a main roster star-making effort.

9 Steve Austin Vs. The Rock (WWE Backlash 1999)

Overall Rating From TheSportster: 8/10

• Dave Meltzer Rating: 4.25 Stars
• Cagematch.net Rating: 8.14

After main eventing WrestleMania 15, Steve Austin and The Rock had a rematch that surpassed their match on the Grandest Stage. This was a classic Attitude Era style brawl between two top stars, with a wild crowd and a whole load of interference. In terms of storytelling, it was a little overbooked in truth, but the audience still ate it up due to the star power on show. It did have a level more it could reach, but it didn’t quite get there.

8 Edge Vs. John Cena (WWE Backlash 2009)

Overall Rating From TheSportster: 8/10

• Dave Meltzer Rating: 4.5 Stars
• Cagematch.net Rating: 8.48

It can be hard pacing a Last Man Standing match, but Edge and John Cena did a super job here. Every big spot was built up to naturally and felt impactful, rather than this just being a big old spot fest. Their chemistry was on full show, the crowd was hot (especially at the start), and despite the finish of the match being a little sour with Big Show’s interference, the chokeslam spot through the spotlight was memorable.

7 Randy Orton Vs. Edge (WWE Backlash 2020)

Overall Rating From TheSportster: 8.25/10

• Dave Meltzer Rating: N/A
• Cagematch.net Rating: 8.34

WWE billed this as the “Greatest Match Ever” going into the show, providing the most unrealistic expectations imaginable, so of course it under-delivered. That being said, this match between Randy Orton and Edge was perfect from a technical standpoint, with Orton in particular showcasing a diverse set of skills that he keeps in his back pocket, proving that he does in fact hold back a lot of the time in the ring. This match flew by despite a long run time, with the only downside being the lack of an audience. However, WWE did combat this with piped in noise and unique presentation, allowing it to overcome some of those hurdles.

6 World Heavyweight Championship Triple Threat (WWE Backlash 2004)

Overall Rating From TheSportster: 8.25/10

• Dave Meltzer Rating: 4.5 Stars
• Cagematch.net Rating: 8.78

On the back of what was one of the best triple threat matches of all time at WrestleMania 20, a rematch was held on the following PPV Backlash, with the World Heavyweight Championship on the line once again. This was a few steps below that much, but it was still very enjoyable with great chemistry between the three opponents. Shawn Michaels played his role well, playing up to a raucous audience who booed him out of the building. Michaels submitting to the Sharpshooter was a brilliant detail.

5 Edge Vs. Kurt Angle (WWE Backlash 2002)

Overall Rating From TheSportster: 8.25/10

• Dave Meltzer Rating: 4.25 Stars
• Cagematch.net Rating: 8.04

In 2002, Edge and Kurt Angle had a series of strong matches, and whilst this may not have been the best, it was certainly still great. Edge was proving that he could hang with main eventers, showcasing strong technical wrestling and character work. The action had a breakneck pace, with big moves being traded back and forth, getting the audience on their feet. In the end, Angle put Edge in the ankle lock to win the bout.

4 Bad Bunny Vs. Damian Priest (WWE Backlash 2023)

Overall Rating From TheSportster: 8.5/10

• Dave Meltzer Rating: 4.5 Stars
• Cagematch.net Rating: 8.52

The Puerto Rican crowd turned this match into a classic. They went wild for Bad Bunny, who put in one of the best celebrity performances of all time in WWE. Priest and Bunny played the classic dominant heel and underdog babyfaces roles to perfection, and never once did Priest look weak due to how the match was produced, enabling Bunny to get offense. The final portion of the match was crazy, with interferences from Judgment Day, LWO, Carlito, and Savio Vega, with it having the feeling of an Attitude Era main event. Sports entertainment at its finest.

3 The Rock vs. Triple H (WWE Backlash 2000)

Overall Rating From TheSportster: 8.75/10

• Dave Meltzer Rating: 3.75 Stars
• Cagematch.net Rating: 8.37

After a disappointing WrestleMania main event, Triple H and The Rock were given the singles match that should’ve closed out WWE’s biggest show of the year. This had both classic Attitude Era chaos and brawling, and some strong in-ring work between the ropes too. Steve Austin’s interference leading to The Rock’s WWE Championship victory made for a great moment to close out this PPV. It may not have been a technical marvel, but all the pomp and circumstance made it a memorable main event.

2 Edge Vs. John Cena Vs. Randy Orton Vs. Shawn Michaels (WWE Backlash 2007)

Overall Rating From TheSportster: 8.75/10

• Dave Meltzer Rating: 4.5 Stars
• Cagematch.net Rating: 8.91

The star power on display here for this main event was off the charts, and the match lived up to the big names involved. The dynamics when it comes to the ongoing rivalry between John Cena and Shawn Michaels and the tag team of Rated RKO made for some interweaving stories which played into the match. For the most part, the action never let up aside from a lull in the middle, with great sequences, exciting action, and a strong final stretch.

1 Randy Orton Vs. Cactus Jack (WWE Backlash 2004)

Overall Rating From TheSportster: 9.25/10

• Dave Meltzer Rating: 4.5 Stars
• Cagematch.net Rating: 9.37

The best match in Backlash history came in 2004 when Cactus Jack made a star out of Randy Orton. They took things to the extreme with a brutal hardcore bout jam-packed with violent spots and physicality. Orton took a beating but looked like a badass for fighting through the pain, especially after the iconic thumb tacks spot. It was less of a wrestling match and more of what felt like an authentic fight.